Thanks for wading in, David. Just to clarify, so unlike other PLM or new-style data management collaboration platforms, Insight XT is specifically meant for SolidEdge shops. Does that mean it can't handle multi-CAD data? That would surprise me given Siemen's emphasis on open standards like JT Open.

Good point, Beth. You've delivered about three stories just this month that involve search, collaboration, and data management for design engineers. Nice to see the PLM function is taking into account the need to handle the growing challenge of data.

I think the benefits are not necessarily tied to certain industries or applications. More likely, they are aimed at small- and mid-size firms that still have the need for centalized data management and collaboration capabilities around product development (what company doesn't), but which have been left out of the PLM equation because of the complexity and cost associated with a platform that is really a process management tool. This offering aims to take some of these key capabilities around pure data management (i.e., applications around engineering change orders etc.) and simple collaboration tasks (design reviews, markups etc.) and make them more accessible and without all the other capabilities that might be considered baggage for smaller firms.

It's really both--storing/finding and sharing parts file, all built around SharePoint, which has a lot of traction within companies already as a collaboration platform. The interesting thing is it's sort of an acknowledgement that traditional PLM systems are too big and complex for many companies who really need help managing and sharing product information with people beyond just engineering departments, which typically use PDM systems exclusively.

Hi Beth. Interesting new tool. What's the advantage. Is it the ability to retrieve files (search) or to manage data (storage and retrieval), or sharing? Seems like Siemens is doing tons now in collaboration and data management.

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